Triplets with feto-fetal transfusion syndrome treated with laser ablation: the USFetus experience
Ramen H Chmait1, Eftichia Kontopoulos, Patricia W Bornick
1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90027, USA. chmait@usc.edu
Objective:
We sought to assess outcomes of triplets with feto-fetal transfusion syndrome (FFTS) treated with selective laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels (SLPCV).
Study Design:
All twins and triplets with FFTS treated with SLPCV were analyzed. Triplets were classified as dichorionic-triamniotic (D/T) or monochorionic-triamniotic (M/T). In M/T triplets, SLPCV between FFTS affected recipient-donor pairs was performed first (step 1); SLPCV of remaining vascular communications was then attempted (step 2).
Results:
Forty-six of 692 (6.7%) gestations with FFTS treated with SLPCV were triplets; 40 (87%) were D/T, 6 (13%) were M/T. Overall perinatal survivorship in triplets versus twins were not different (73.9% vs. 75.1%, p = 0.757). SLPCV was achieved in 93% of D/T triplets. In the M/T triplets, step 1 was successful in all cases, and step 2 in half of cases. The D/T group delivered later in gestation than the M/T group (31.6 vs. 27.0 weeks, p = 0.049); no difference in overall perinatal survival was detected (75.8% vs. 61.1%, p = 0.248).
Conclusion:
Overall perinatal survival of triplets and twins with FFTS treated via SLPCV is similar. Significant surgical challenges were posed by monochorionic versus dichorionic triplets. Further studies of monochorionic triplets are required to ascertain perinatal survival post-SLPCV in this subset of triplets.
